EMELIA SITHOLE, Harare | Friday 2.00pm.
ZIMBABWE’s besieged white farmers said on Friday a peace deal struck with war veterans to end the occupation of farms is meaningless because they have stepped up their invasions and intimidation is on the increase.
Commercial Farmers’ Union deputy director Jerry Grant said he is concerned that Chenjerai Hunzvi, leader of the 1970s war veterans movement that has led the land invasions, no longer has the power or authority to contain what he described as ”total anarchy” on the farms.
In an apparent reference to President Robert Mugabe, Grant said he believes only one man has the power to stop the invasions and restore stability in a country which is facing its worst economic crisis since independence.
”Any agreements that we strike with Mr Hunzvi…are absolutely meaningless,” Grant said in an emotional address to a business breakfast meeting. Grant said intimidation and farm occupations have spiralled in violation of an April 28 agreement to stop further invasions and end violence.
”So what value is that agreement?” he asked in a voice that sometimes shook with emotion, describing Hunzvi as Mugabe’s ”legman” and the farm invasions as well-organised with the involvement of security agents in some areas.
Mugabe has defended the farm invasions. He said on Wednesday he wanted half the 12-million hectares of prime farmland owned by whites and that those who opposed his claim can leave the country.
At least 18 people — farmers, a policeman, farm workers and opposition activists — have died in 10 weeks of invasions and political violence which a leading private economist said will see Zimbabwe post a negative growth of 10% this year. — Reuters